Dr. Kalliolias uses novel technologies to characterize and understand the role of synovial fibroblasts, resident joint cells that become activated in rheumatoid arthritis, as potential targets for new treatments.
None of the existing therapies for RA targets these cells. Dr. Kalliolias’ studies have shown that synovial fibroblasts display an uncontrolled inflammatory response to factors found in abundance within the inflamed joint of RA patients. These findings led to the hypothesis that these cells in the RA joint lack the appropriate “brakes” that should turn off inflammatory responses.
Potential: Dr. Kalliolias is testing this hypothesis to identify strategies to terminate or block the production of inflammatory and tissue destructive mediators by synovial fibroblasts which he hopes will lead to a new therapy targeting these cells.